Category Archives: 2023

Chapter Christmas Party – 12/12/2023

You are invited to
EAA Chapter 179’s
Annual Christmas Gathering
It will be held at Tomasita’s Mexican Restaurant
Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Check out the Special Menu here (pdf download)

A large private room with cozy fireplace awaits us at the centrally located Tomasita’s in Albuquerque.  Come out for a casual social gathering and no host dinner. They have prepared a special menu for us.  Guests welcome!

Each year this event offers a fun evening to mingle with fellow aviation enthusiasts and reflect on our terrific year.

Optional gift exchange – those who bring a gift may receive a gift.  $15 or under, please.  Not required – you can just come for the food, holiday spirit, and camaraderie!

Directions (link to map):  Exit I-25 at Jefferson, take southbound frontage road (Pan American Freeway) to just south of Pappadeaux’s.  It is at the corner of Office Blvd NE.  Turn right to parking.
The address is 4949 Pan American Fwy NE, Albuquerque, NM

October 2023 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The October Chapter Gathering is scheduled for
Tuesday, October 17th
Join us – in person!

5:15 PM — Dinner at BJ’s Reasaurant and Brewhouse
6:15PM — Program: Lee Otto & Jim Kessler “A Breezy Flight”

On September 25, Jim Kessler with help from Lee Otto and Mark Sturm successfully executed the FIRST FLIGHT of Warren Cox’s Breezy.  Come hear first hand about the planning and coordination and learnings about EAA’s Flight Advisor program that led to this momentous day.

Jim and Warren after 1st flight..

As a bonus, we’ll enjoy a slideshow from LOEFI 2023 during dinner.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque

Directions:   —    North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW. Take the Cottonwood Loop around to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a building of its own.

LOEFI 2023 Awards & Photos

Awards were given for aircraft in 6 categories plus Most Distant Flyin and Grand Champion. Pilots opted to have their aircraft included in the judging when they registered. An award was also given for the People’s Choice, based on ballots cast by visitors to LOEFI 2023.

  • A team of Chapter members then appraised each aircraft, considering appearance and other subjective considerations. Judging took place between 0830 and 1130.
  • Attendees were given the opportunity to cast a ballot for the “People’s Choice” award.
  • Based on information provided by the pilots when they registered, the award for “Most Distant Flyin” was given to the pilot from most distant home airport in ‘air miles’.
  • Trophies were presented on stage to the award winners at 1330. (Trophies will be mailed to any not present.)
  • A framed photo of the winning aircraft will also be provided honoring their recognition as winners at LOEFI 2023.

Congratulations 2023 Award Winners

Award Recipient Aircraft Tail #
Best Plans Built Martin DiStefano Steen Skybolt N117JR
Best Kit Built Tom Dollmeyer Glassair Super II FT N59CL
Best Contemporary Michael McCann Cessna 206 Stationair N5716J
Best Classic Larry Shapnek Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser N4159M
Best LSA/Trike Janet Crosby Zlin Savage iCub – LSA N3311
Best Warbird Phil Phillips L-19 Birddog N219TH
Most Distant Fly-In William Wright Cessna C-172 Skyhawk N35627
People’s Choice Rodney Jarrell Vans RV-10 N104AZ
Grand Champion Rodney Jarrell Vans RV-10 N104AZ
       
Honorable Mention Mike Paxson P-51 Pedal Plane 413984

LOEFI 2023 Award Winners

Again this year, thanks go out to all the pilots who joined in the aircraft judging. And to the Members who volunteered to be judges for this traditional activity of LOEFI for many years.

Photos by Raymond Alderete

 

 

 

September 2023 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The September 2023 Chapter Gathering is scheduled for
Tuesday, September 19th
Join us – in person!

5:30 PM — Potluck Dinner at Double Eagle Maintenance Facility
6:15PM — Program:   The “Windmill Plane” by Mark Wilson

Twenty years after the Wright Brothers had their first flight, the Gyrocopter was flying.  Come celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. Join Mark Wilson where he will have his modern two place enclosed Gyrocopter at the meeting for you to learn more.  This aircraft is vastly different from the “Flying Lawnmower” of yesterday and the James Bond movies. Mark will talk about the history of this “grandaddy” of the Helicopter and answer the question, is it really stall proof? He’ll also share a personal story of making the “impossible turn” possible.

 POTLUCK NOTE:  A surprise dessert will be provided –  consider bringing a main course or side dish.

Where: City Maintenance Facility at Double Eagle II Airport, next to the Control Tower. 7401A Atrisco Vista Blvd NW; Albuquerque

Directions: Take I-40 or Paseo del Norte westbound to Atrisco Vista Blvd and follow airport signs.
Once on the Airport road, there is a stop sign before turning left to the main airport parking lot, DON’T TURN LEFT.
Proceed straight through the gate towards the Control Tower. Park in front of the 1st building on the left, marked 7401A. We’ll be in the south maintenance bay.  Look for EAA signs.

Monthly Chapter Gatherings offer time to network, with programs centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities – rather than the chapter business which is addressed in bimonthly Board meetings. We hope to see you there!

LOEFI 2023 – Welcome Pilots

Flying into LOEFI Staying Overnight Activities

Join our community of pilots and members of EAA 179 and other New Mexico chapters for a day of checking out other pilots’ airplanes, browsing the exhibit hall and attending seminars, and sharing your passion for flying and aviation with other pilots and the public.

  • Seminars:  Flying the New Mexico Backcountry (0830-0945, WINGS) and How to Communicate w/Confidence and Clarity – Wendy Smith, ABQ Air Traffic Controller (1015-1130, WINGS)  – see schedule.
  • Camping:  Camping for fly-in pilots will be available Friday and Saturday nights, located on the north ramp and in an adjacent grass area on the airfield.  See below for details.  Friday night cookout by EAA 179 on the field for campers.
  • Aircraft Awards: Best Plans Built; Best Kit Built, Contemporary (1971 – present); Classic (prior to 1971); LSA/Trike; Warbird; Most Distant Fly-in, People’s Choice; LOEFI Grand Champion (judge’s choice). Presentation 1230-1300.

Pilots – FLYING IN

  • Check Airport Data (SkyVector) . Note taxiway changes since 2018 which require crossing runway 22/04 from runway 17/35.
    • Inbound: Listen to AWOS on 119.025.
      • On first call, give distance and direction from airport. NOTE: tower controllers now have radar!
      • If arriving just for the Fly-In, after landing tell Double Eagle Ground that you are “going to the Fly In”.  Expect to taxi to parking in the tie-down area on the north ramp. See the airport diagram (.PDF).
    • Parking, fuel, and Fly-in Registration:
      • Camping arrivals – you may park in the grass area (at own risk) just west of North Ramp (see Ramp Map) or in the North Ramp tie down area.
      • Parking in front of Bode FBO is reserved for transient aircraft. Double Eagle II Airport information: Airnav
      • Bode FBO will provide fuel off truck at self serve price. Fuel island will be closed.
      • Tie downs are limited; please bring chocks and ropes.
    • Outbound: Accessing runway 17/35 from the ramp requires crossing runway 22/04. Also, there are new run up areas at both Runway 22 and Runway 17. Contact ground before proceeding FROM runup areas TO the runway unless otherwise instructed.  If you have questions, contact the Tower.

Pilots – STAYING A NIGHT, Friday and/or Saturday?

    • If you are staying over in Albuquerque, ask for special “Bode Aviation” rates at Rio Grande Best Western.  Rental cars ARE available on prior request via Bode Aviation FBO.
    • On-field Camping for Pilots and Crew – Airplane camping is available on the field (KAEG) Friday & Saturday nights
      • Upon arrival, tell Ground Control that you are here for LOEFI and camping, for directions to the camping area. See event ramp map.
      • Bring your tent and airplane tie-down stakes and ropes!  Camping area is the grass area adjacent to the north ramp and on the north ramp itself.  See ramp map. 
      • Fly-In Cookout Friday night, hosted by EAA Chapter 179. Grills available Saturday night or Ground Transportation arranged through the FBO or on request.
      • Food trucks open for the Fly-In, 0700-1500
      • Bode’s Bombing Range Café on the field open 0800 – 1400 Fri, Sat, & Sunday
      • If you plan to camp or have questions, please eMail Chet Leach chetleach@msn.com or loefi@eaa179.org

Pilots – ACTIVITIES AT THE FLY-IN!

  • Two general areas will be set up for aircraft displays – a Showcase area for featured aircraft in front of the hangar, and the north ramp for Visiting Aircraft.  See event ramp map.
  • Upon arrival, please stop by the Pilot Registration tent for a goodie bag and if to be judged, specify the award category.
  • Here is the schedule of activities of special interest for pilots (and crewmembers). Note in particular the WINGS Seminars. Check here for the complete Schedule of Activities  and Exhibitors.
    • 0830 – 0945 • WINGS Safety Seminar – “Flying the New Mexico Backcountry” – Ron Keller, NMPA
    • 1015 – 1130  • WINGS Safety Seminar – “How to Communicate w/Confidence and Clarity” – Wendy Smith, ABQ Air Traffic Controller
    • 1100 • Aircraft Judging closes, People’s Choice ballots due
    • 1230 – 1300 • Aircraft Awards Presentation, EAA 179
  • Food trucks on hand for Saturday breakfast and lunch, 0700 – 1500
  • Continuing our tradition, we present awards with winners determined by our panel of judges or voted on by the visiting public.  Categories:
    • For Judging: Best Plans Built, Best Kit Built, Best Contemporary (1971 to present), Best Classic (prior to 1971), Best Warbird
    • Public Voting: People’s Choice (closes at 1130)
    • Special:  Most Distant Fly-In
    • Grand Champion (judge’s choice)
  • Aircraft Judging concludes at 1100, Award presentations 1230-1300

August 2023 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The August Chapter Gathering is scheduled for
Tuesday, August 15th
Join us – in person!

5:15 PM — Dinner at BJ’s Reasaurant and Brewhouse
6:15PM — Program: Air Venture Adventures

This month we will hear from Members who attended the world’s greatest aviation celebration, EAA’s AirVenture, commonly known as “Oshkosh”.

Art Woods will kick off the program, ”If you attended this year, we invite you to share your stories during an impromptu round-table discussion. Bring photos on a USB drive to cycle through during dinner or to illustrate your story.”

And … we will hear from our scholarship recipients that attended the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, being released to experience AirVenture for the first time!

Each month, these “Chapter Gatherings” offer time to network with programs centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities – rather than the chapter business which is addressed in bimonthly Board meetings. Again this month, in the midst of the summer’s heat, we will meet at a restaurant. You may anticipate that with cooler weather in September, we will return to Double Eagle II Airport.

Where:  BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse at Cottonwood Mall 10000 Coors Blvd, Albuquerque

Directions:   —    North or South bound on Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW. Take the Cottonwood Loop around to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a building of its own.

July 2023 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The July Chapter Gathering is scheduled for
Tuesday, July 18th
At BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse near Cottonwood Mall

Join us – in person!     Visitors Welcome!

5:30 PM —  Dinner at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
6:15 PM — Program:  DEAA 2023 in Review
                        Jim Kessler, DEAA Principal

Jim Kessler will do a show and tell on DEAA 2023, with pictures and sound. He also has video from inside the cockpit of the number 4 airplane in a 6 plane Chile Flight formation. For the full story be at BJs restaurant at 6:15 on Tuesday July 18th. Dinner starts at 5:30.

These monthly Chapter Gatherings offer time to network with programs centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities – rather than the chapter business which is addressed in bimonthly Board meetings. We hope to see you there.

Where: BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque

Directions: North or South bound on North Coors Blvd to Cottonwood Mall, 10000 Coors Blvd NW. Take the Cottonwood Loop around to the south end of the parking lot. BJ’s is in a building of its own.

 

 

March 2023 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The March Chapter Gathering is scheduled for
Tuesday, March 21st
At the Maintenance Facility, Double Eagle II

Join us – in person!     Visitors Welcome!

5:30 PM —  Rudi’s BBQ Dinner Provided (donations accepted)
6:15 PM — Program:  EAA 179’s 2023 Scholarship Presentations
Mark Sturm, Scholarship Coordinator

Meet recipients of Chapter 179 scholarship awards! Always inspiring, join us to meet students and learn about their aviation goals. Expect to meet parents and let’s see what we may do to help these youth move forward along their aviation journeys.

This year, we present two $2000 flight training scholarships, one in hon-or of “Doc” Weaver* and the ongoing Jay Schmitt Memorial Scholarship. Two students will be awarded full tuition to attend EAA’s Air Academy in Oshkosh this summer. In addition, four recipients will be awarded $1000 each for various flight training pursuits.

Our program supports youth up to age 25 pursuing aviation education. Thanks to our generous donors, Chapter 179 has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships over the past 5 years.

These monthly Chapter Gatherings offer time to network with programs centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – air-planes, flying, and flying activities – rather than the chapter business which is addressed in bimonthly Board meetings.

Where: City Maintenance Facility at Double Eagle II Airport, next to the Control Tower; 7401 Atrisco Vista Blvd NW; Al-buquerque

Directions: Take I-40 or Paseo del Norte westbound to Atrisco Vista Blvd and follow airport signs. Once on the Airport road, there is a stop sign before turn-ing left to the main airport parking lot, DON’T TURN LEFT. Proceed straight through the gate towards the Control Tow-er. Park in front of the 1st building on the left, marked 7401A. We’ll be in the south maintenance bay. Look for EAA signs.

 

February 2023 Chapter Gathering

Hello EAA Chapter 179 Members and Friends – Join us!

The February 2023 Chapter Gathering
 is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21st
At M’tuccis Moderno Restaurant

Join us – in person!     Visitors Welcome!

5:30 PM — No Host Dinner
6:15 PM — Program – Speaker Mark Chappell
GIS Analyst/Remote Sensing Coordinator
NM Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

The Program:  Mark Chappell (23) first gained his interest in aviation at the first Double Eagle Aviation Adventure in 2014. Mark continued his interest in aviation when he joined the New Mexico Civil Air Patrol as a cadet. Through his CAP career, Mark rose to the rank of Cadet Major while serving as the wing Director of Training for Unmanned Aircraft.

Mark was deployed to Puerto Rico in January 2020 as part of an interdisciplinary team of UAS (unmanned aerial systems – drone) operators with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in response to major earthquakes. Mark graduated with his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Emergency Management from Eastern New Mexico University.

In March of 2022, he joined the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management as an Operations Officer. During the 2022 New Mexico Wildfire Season, the worst in New Mexican history, Mark served as the Director of the State Emergency Operations Center, coordinating the state’s response to the wildfires. In June 2022, President Biden visited the New Mexico Emergency Operations Center, where Mark briefed him on the current status of the wildfires and what the state was doing in response to them.

During “blue skies” Mark used geographic information systems (GIS) to maintain statewide situational awareness, creating maps, apps, and dashboards to track what is happening around the state. He also manages the agency’s public safety UAS Program and satellite imagery and intelligence program.

Each month, these “Chapter Gatherings” offer time to network with programs  centered on exchanging experiences and ideas about aviation – airplanes, flying, and flying activities – rather than the chapter business which is addressed in bimonthly Board meetings..

Where:        M’tucci’s Moderno  Restaurant   (Preview MENU here)
1908 Wellspring Ave SE, Rio Rancho  (Wellspring and Unser)

Directions:   From I-25, take Paseo del Norte westbound to Unser Blvd.
Turn right (North) on Unser Blvd, then LEFT on Wellspring Ave SE
                          (Located in shopping center just west of Presbyterian Rust Hospital)